Bike commuting puts me in a great mood for a day at work and I certainly prefer it to driving a car but there are a few things you can do to make your rides safer, more convenient and comfortable. In this post I've listed some of the things learned from my daily commutes that you can use whether you're thinking about giving bike commuting a try or you're a seasoned commuter.
Ditch the backpack and let the bike carry the load. Frame, seat and handlebar bags can be used to carry a change of clothes and toiletries if traveling light works for you.
For longer commutes and those times when nature calls learn where the "rest stops" are along the way just in case. Parks are good places to find portables and building facilities.
Daytime running lights help get you seen by motorists especially on overcast or foggy days. The majority of car/bike accidents happen during daylight hours so why wouldn't you want to increase your visibility for safety?
Keep it fresh and choose a different route from time to time. I'll sometimes leave for work early to take the long way in or go a completely different way just so I can change things up a bit. By doing this I have found more enjoyable and often safer routes to and from work.
Take advantage of natural windbreaks on those windy days if available. I was riding on the road fighting a stiff head/cross wind and moving over to the bike path adjacent to the woods really cut down on the wind.
When you have two options (road vs. bike path), opt for the safer one for the conditions, time of day and traffic. I have learned the traffic patterns along my route and riding the road certain times of the day can be safer/less safe than taking the adjacent bike trail.
Check the weather regularly and be prepared with the proper apparel. If there is any chance of rain during my commute I will pack a jacket that will keep me dry just in case I need it. Morning commutes may require more clothing than a much warmer end of the work day commute and checking the weather forecast ahead of time will help select the right apparel for both of them.
Flats are going to happen, do you know what to do? I run tubeless so incidents of flat tires happen less frequently but I've had to inflate tires that lost pressure before my sealant stopped the leak. I carry tire plugs for larger punctures and recently had to use one when sealant alone wouldn't do the trick.
One should always carry tire levers, a spare tube (if not running tubeless), tire pump or inflator with CO2 cartridge because it's no fun walking your bike when a 5 minute tube change will get you up and rolling again. Watch this video from Trek on how to change a tube if you don't know how yet.
Use a tool cup in a bottle cage to carry the necessary things like a multi-tool, chainbreaker, lube and a master link that may get you out of a jam and back to riding in the event of a mechanical that requires your attention. This is also a good place to stash your tire levers, CO2 cartridges/inflator and emergency cash.
Prepare your gear the night before so getting out the door is quick and easy in the morning. I will always have my work clothes packed, bike clothes laid out and lights and Garmin ready to go so all I have to do is get dressed and leave. This definitely speeds things up and helps avoid forgetting something.
If you're like me, you have a few rechargeable devices that need a fresh charge for the next commute. Head and tail lights, GPS computer, action camera and phone can all be charged at the same time with a USB hub. Just plug everything in when you get home and unplug later when fully charged.
Get a tire pressure gauge. Check pressure regularly and adjust accordingly for better handling and a decreased chance of getting pinch flats. Temperature changes can affect tire pressure and tubes lose air with time. Even though I run tubeless on my bikes I still check pressures regularly and adjust for the riding conditions.
Enjoy those night commutes home, they're a great way to unwind after a long day at work. Put on some good music or a favorite podcast, lose yourself in the ride and feel the stress of the day slip away.
Invest in some quality cycling apparel for all types of weather. Bike commuters ride it all so having the right apparel for the conditions is key to staying comfortable, warm and dry. Having several changes of cycling apparel helps if you don't have time to get to washing it for a few days.
I wear eye protection for my day and night commutes. While sunglasses are the obvious choice for daylight hours to cut glare and see better in sunny conditions, clear lenses keep those flying insects from ending up in your eyes during night rides. Glasses also provide protection from the wind keeping eyes from watering up.
Sometimes drivers are confused of who should yield or they're surprised by my presence in traffic and don't know how to react, that's why I use hand signals. Doing so helps communicate my intent or lets them know they must yield right of way. It's almost always at intersections that I end up having to use hand signals.
Don't be afraid to take the lane when needed. When a bike path or shoulder isn't a safe option, taking the lane gives a cyclist greater visibility to motorists and helps prevent the dreaded squeeze-by by forcing them to pass safely in the adjacent lane.
Intersections are the most dangerous part of the commute. Learn how to navigate them and what to avoid. Take the lane when necessary for better visibility to motorists, to prevent right hooks from right turning vehicles and unsafe overtaking. The video below explains how to safely navigate intersections and the reasoning behind the methods.
Bike commuting is not only fun but can be great exercise, reduce greenhouse gases, save money on gasoline and put you in a great mood for the rest of the day. Give bike commuting a try and it may quickly become your favorite mode of transportation to work and errands. For more bike commuter discussion join the Twin Cities Bike Commuters Facebook group today.
